Visit Wat Sa Long Ruea (Kanchanaburi)

This temple about fifty kilometers from Kanchanaburi is interesting because, as the name suggests, it has the shape of a boat placed on a pond. The golden bow of this Swan Boat which is reminiscent of the most prestigious of the Royal b=Barges is particularly photogenic. To go aboard, there are 2 entrances, the most impressive one is guarded by Phu Rahu, demon of moon and sun eclipses with a black body and a large face that swallows the moon. This is followed by a long corridor and on the upper bridge there is a sanctuary with a venerated Buddha image (Luangpho Yai Ong Dam) and celestial representations. You will also find the large statue of a monk and a more classic ordination hall.

The story of the temple tells that a very religious man born in the area but working elsewhere came to pray Luangpho Yai Ong Dam image and his requests were granted. To show his gratitude, he decided to rebuild Wat Sa Long Ruea and make it an important heritage site in the province of Kanchanaburi.

Free entry

Wat Sa Long Ruea is a temple and when you visit a temple in Thailand there are some rules to know and follow:

• Dress properly (knees and shoulders should be covered)
• Take off your shoes when entering the buildings
• Be quiet
• Don't hug or kiss
• Don't point your feet to Buddha's image
• Don't smoke